Jordan Raanan, ESPN editor
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – The New York Giants are going retro for a few games this season. Very retro.
The Giants dug deep into the past, all the way back to their formative days, to create a special “Century Red” uniform to celebrate their 100th season.
New York will wear the special jerseys up to twice this season to honor the team’s past. Specific games and dates have not been announced.
The Centennial uniform consists of a modernized version of the 1933 jersey, 1925 pants and socks, and 1938 helmet. The new look tells the story of one of the NFL’s oldest teams by showcasing highlights the key milestones: the team’s founding in 1925, its first appearance in the NFL championship game in 1933, and its first championship victory in 1938.
“The Century Red uniform brings a modern twist to some of our early uniforms and is worn to honor the players who laid the foundation of Giants football,” said Giants Director of Creative Services Doug Murphy. “After bringing back many of our most recent uniform combinations, we meticulously studied past Giants uniforms to ensure historical accuracy. We are proud that this uniform will be part of the celebration of our 100th season.”
The uniform was designed by Nike in collaboration with the Giants to combine memorable elements from the team’s past with a modern twist. For example, the 1933 jerseys had long sleeves while the modernized version did not. The beige pants, red socks with a blue horizontal stripe, the square cut of the numbers, the blue collar and shoulders, and the shape of the wings on the back of the helmet were all carefully considered for reproduction purposes.
The uniform serves as the final reminder that Big Blue could easily have been Big Red. Red was a larger part of the Giants’ color scheme for most of the first three decades, until they shifted primarily to blue and white.
The primary red resurfaced when an alternate jersey was introduced in 2004. As owner John Mara has jokingly lamented in the past, the Giants have not had a good track record in these throwbacks, ranging from 1-3 from 2004 to 2007.
The Century Red uniforms mark the second time in three years that the Giants have introduced a redesigned vintage jersey. They brought back a version of their classic uniforms from the 1980s and 1990s during the 2022 season.
The Giants are expected to wear this legacy uniform introduced in 2022 for one game this season, in addition to the new Centennial Edition, as part of their 100th season celebration this fall. They revealed their 100th season patch earlier this week which will be on all of their jerseys.
Much like the new uniforms, attention to detail is paid to the crest, which features a shield in the shape of the Polo Grounds, their very first home. The zeros of the “100 Seasons” are shaped like the Giants’ old stadium, where they won several championships. It also features eight laces to represent each of the franchise’s titles and the central figure in a throwing motion is inspired by the classic Giants logo.
“Our planning for the 100th season began nearly two years ago and we are excited to celebrate this milestone with our fans, alumni and partners,” said Nilay Shah, senior vice president of marketing and the Giants’ branding strategy. “This season will be an opportunity to reflect on the players, moments and championship teams that defined the first 100 seasons of Giants football. We will celebrate that through content, events and special activations throughout the season. season.”
Activations include: an unveiling of the 100 greatest players in franchise history, a 100th day of the season at Yankee Stadium with an Eli Manning figurine in pinstripes, “The Duke” documentary honoring the owner of long-standing Wellington Mara and 10 grants of $100,000 each presented. by The Giants Foundation to committed partners, among others.
Now they’re adding the Centennial uniform to the mix.
The Giants will open their season on September 8 against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium.
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News Source : www.espn.com
